Wike talking as if he owns Nigeria – Bode George tells President Tinubu to call him to order

Wike talking as if he owns Nigeria – Bode George tells President Tinubu to call him to order

In order to bring peace back to Rivers State, former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George has urged President Bola Tinubu to restrain Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

George harshly criticized Wike’s remarks regarding the ongoing political crisis in Rivers, calling them “inflammatory,” “dangerous,” and “embarrassing” in his last media address.

In addition to undermining President Tinubu’s efforts, George contended that Wike’s comments raised doubts about the prudence of permitting such public pronouncements from a senior minister.

“Rivers State is central to our economic and financial stability. What is unfolding there is not the path to peace. If a crisis erupts, it will affect the entire country, not just Wike,” George warned.

George further criticised Wike’s tendency to dominate political discourse in Rivers, recalling how, as governor, Wike had little tolerance for opposition.

He also questioned Wike’s recent claim of having made Governor Fubara, suggesting that Wike had received substantial support throughout his own political journey.

“Wike was not self-made. He was helped at various stages of his political career—from council chairman to chief of staff, minister, and eventually governor. Now he claims to have single-handedly elevated Fubara to the governorship. What exactly is he talking about?” George remarked.

Highlighting concerns over Wike’s increasing influence in Rivers politics, George questioned his authority.

“Is Wike the Commander-in-Chief, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, or the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly? He seems to be attributing imaginary powers to himself, leaving the public confused about who is really in charge—Tinubu or Wike?”

The former PDP leader urged President Tinubu to take decisive action, pointing to the president’s swift intervention in the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis as a precedent.

“Now is the time for him to engage Governor Fubara and Rivers lawmakers in a meeting,” he stated.

In response to Wike’s claim that Governor Fubara had been defrauded into paying bribes for a Supreme Court ruling, George demanded evidence.

He also criticized Wike for staging a live broadcast to assert his dominance in Rivers politics, questioning the motives behind such public displays.

“What message is Wike sending?” George asked.

“A few hours before his media address, President Tinubu met with Niger Delta leaders to discuss solutions. Is Wike trying to assert that he is more powerful than the president? That nobody can control him?”

George also cautioned against the dangers of political instability, recalling past crises in Nigeria’s First and Second Republics.

“I fought in the civil war. I know what war means. If General Benjamin Adekunle were alive today, I would have asked him to explain its horrors to Wike. War is not something to be trifled with,” he warned.

He appealed to Wike’s wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, urging her to advise her husband to de-escalate the situation. “Silence from the people of Rivers does not mean they are unaware,” George emphasized.

“During the civil war, I saw the devastation between Bonny and Port Harcourt. Wike should tread carefully.”

Drawing on a recent article by Professor Chidi Odinkalu, George encouraged Wike to reflect on the broader implications of his actions.

He urged President Tinubu to act swiftly, cautioning that political crises, if left unchecked, can spiral out of control.

“A word is enough for the wise. Enough is enough,” George concluded.